Selecting the Proper Sharpening Tool

Smiths Diamond Sharpening Stone was recently reviewed one of my all time favorite sites, The Kitchn, where Chef Marc Bauer of the French Culinary Institute performed a great video demonstration on how to properly sharpen a chefs knife. (Great job!)

In response to the post, one reader posed the following question which we would like to address in relation to Smiths products.

I am curious, if the diamond edge stone is not necessary for sharpening, why use it? I would lean toward the budget friendly stone unless there is some added bonus the diamond edge stone provides. It’s wasn’t addressed in the video. Can someone let me know? I REALLY need to sharpen my beloved knives and will be heading out for one of these stone styles once I know.

Selecting the correct rod or stone depends on the desired results and the amount of time, skill and effort the user wants to commit to the process. Diamond sharpeners will give the quickest edge for dull knives. Ceramic stones will easily hone and sharpen relatively sharp edges. Steels will just realign rolled edges. Arkansas stones will give you the best sharp, clean edge, but requires more time and skill.

Smiths Edge offers three types of sharpening rods- a steel rod, oval ceramic rod, and diamond sharpening rod- and each perform different functions. They also offer three unique sharpening stones- Arkansas Stones, Diamond Stones, and Synthetic stones. Click on any of the above products to learn more.

If you’re still not sure which sharpener works best for you, Smiths offers a percision sharpening system that includes a little bit of everything, including a Coarse Diamond Stone, Fine Diamond Stone, Fine Arkansas Stone, Medium Triangular shaped Arkansas Stone for serrated edges only, Diamond Retractable Sharpener, and Premium Honing Solution.